Beating suspect

By Drew Stone/The Lebanon Reporter

Lebanon May 08, 2008 12:51 am

— Despite early police reports of David C. Zachary Jr. admitting to the beating of Michael Burns, new court records show he “does not intend to plead guilty.”
A jury trial in Boone County Superior Court II has been scheduled for Oct. 28. Zachary, 34, of Indianapolis, faces charges of Class A felony for robbery resulting in serious bodily injury, Class B felony for aggravated battery and a class D felony for theft.
Zachary is accused of the severe beating and robbery of Burns, 64, of Lebanon. The alleged crimes took place on Dec. 6, 2007.
Burns was taken to Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis after suffering at least three skull fractures, numerous cuts to the top of his head, a broken finger and cuts on his hands. He was listed in critical, but stable, condition at the hospital throughout the month.
At Zachary’s probable cause hearing, the state alleged Zachary attacked Burns with a tire iron in his home and then robbed him, taking a bottle of Burns’ Zanax and a TV.
Lebanon Police Department Det. Capt. Maurice Hobson reported after a call for service came in from Burns’ home, located on 936 Sorrell Court. Medics first arrived on scene, believing it was just a medical situation. However, Hobson said, upon seeing the large amount of blood spattered throughout the home and the injuries to Burns, medics called for the police.
Hobson said blood was spattered in several rooms of the house and on the furniture. Burns was still conscious when emergency workers arrived and was continually saying one thing: “Help.”
If Zachary is found guilty on all three charges, he could face up to 73 years in prison and $30,000 in fines.